Orange, VA

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2026

Project Category: Public or private transit access

Description: Benches will be added at town transit stops and other walking areas. The seating will help older adults rest comfortably while waiting for transportation or while walking around town.

Lumberton, NC

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025

Project Category: Public or private transit access

Description: Southeastern Life Center focused on a persistent barrier facing many residents: the lack of reliable, affordable transportation to reach everyday needs. For older adults with mobility challenges or fixed incomes, missed rides often meant missed medical appointments, limited access to food and fewer chances to stay socially connected. The project expanded door to door transportation and related support services, helping participants reach health care visits, grocery stores and community activities. Outreach and engagement efforts ensured the services reached people most affected by isolation and limited mobility. As a result, older adults reported improved access to essential resources and stronger social connections, supporting greater independence. By integrating these services into its core programs and strengthening local partnerships, the work is positioned to continue beyond the grant period and to support aging in place over time.

Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.

Stevens Point, WI

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023

Project Category: Public or private transit access

Description: Long waits at transit stops without seating made public transportation difficult for older adults. To improve accessibility, the city installed five benches at key stops, including locations near parks and multi-family housing. It also hosted a planning workshop and integrated transit upgrades into neighborhood meetings. The benches not only offer comfort, but sparked plans for a citywide transit strategy in 2024. One bench near a disability services nonprofit was praised for helping clients meet outdoors, showing how small changes can make transit more inclusive.

Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.